The Latest from the Science and Technology Innovation Program

Even as society seeks to improve overall energy efficiency, we make individual decisions every day that have a wasteful effect on our energy use, from driving rather than walking short distances to leaving our computers on when not in use. Please join us for a candid discussion about how psychology and behavioral economics can begin to address our most pressing energy and environmental challenges – and how this can potentially improve policy choices in government and beyond.
more

In an effort to head off a potential health problem in Florida, scientists have created genetically modified mosquitoes intended to stop the spread of their non-modified and disease carrying cousins. What sounds like a good plan to some, has set off alarm bells for others. Todd Kuiken provides an update on GMO science and the attempt to conduct a mosquito experiment in the Sunshine State. That’s the focus of this edition of Wilson Center NOW. more

Genetic determinism has invaded all realms of life, from our dating scene to our social networks. This is politics, love and death in the age of genetic imperialism, but society is becoming increasingly aware of what our genes can and cannot tell us about our identities and how they evolve. more

Typology of Citizen Science Projects from an Intellectual Property Perspective: Invention and Authorship between Researchers and Participants, written by Dr. Teresa Scassa and doctoral candidate Haewon Chung of the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, analyzes various types of volunteer citizen science activities to determine whether they raise legal questions about IP ownership. The report includes a typology comparing the IP implications of different types of citizen science projects, from transcribing or gathering data to assisting with problem solving. more

Citizen Science and Policy: A European Perspective, written by Dr. Muki Haklay of University College London, examines European citizen science projects to understand how they can support or influence public policy (and how policy can support or constrain citizen science). The report concludes with suggestions for how projects around the world can be structured to meet policy goals—for example, through strategic partnerships, and by developing guidelines to facilitate the use of citizen science data. more